An Oklahoma lawmaker has had enough of drivers not stopping for school buses’ flashing red lights.
Rep. Dell Kerbs wants to let school districts install cameras on bus stop-arms and send video of light-runners to their police department or sheriff, who would send them citations.
"The average number of fatalities a year from folks that drive through the red lights is 135. In the 2017 through 2018 school year, which would be the last school year, 15 million violations in our nation," Kerbs said.
Tickets would be at least $100, with 75 percent of the fines going into a grant fund to help more districts buy bus cameras.
Rep. Lundy Kiger used to drive a school bus and likes the idea.
"As a bus driver, you know that you’ve got very precious cargo on that bus. you always try to use the yellows to get the cars by, but when you finally put the red out and open that door and those kids get out, it is a very serious and frightening time," Kiger said.
Some lawmakers are concerned a provision of Kerb’s bill to send citations to a car’s registered owner will result in the wrong person being punished.
The House Public Safety Committee approved House Bill 1926 this week on a 10–1 vote.
